Converter base for a tumbler

ABSTRACT

A converter base for use in connection with a tumbler, such as an insulated tumbler. The converter base has internal features that allow the base to convert the tumbler into a holder/cooler for differently-sized beverages. The converter base may also be provided with a built-in cooling feature.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29/756,894, titled “Cover for a can and bottle insulator,” U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29/756,790, titled “Converter base for a can and bottle insulator,” U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29/756,897, titled “Converter base for a can and bottle insulator,” and U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29/756,786, titled “Cover for a can and bottle insulator,” all filed Oct. 30, 2020, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to certain embodiments of this disclosure, there is provided a converter base for use in connection with a tumbler, such as an insulated tumbler. The converter base has internal features that allow the base to convert the tumbler into a holder/cooler for differently-sized beverages. The converter base may also be provided with a built-in cooling feature.

BACKGROUND

Differently-sized beverage cans and bottles have gained popularity. For example, some consumers choose to drink long neck bottle beers, others prefer skinny can seltzers, others prefer traditional 12-ounce cola type cans. In addition, insulated tumblers have become more popular as well. A number of companies provide variously-sized insulated tumblers, most of which have similar base shapes for fitting into a car or boat cup holder.

With all of these alternate options, companies have also marketed insulated can/bottle coolers/holders. One company has become popular for its skinny can cooler, which snuggly fits skinny cans that do not otherwise fit in a traditional can cooler. Other companies have become popular for long neck bottle coolers. There are many examples of holder/coolers that are designed to fit specifically-shaped beverage containers.

The present inventors have identified a need for a more universal solution. They realized that a number of consumers already have insulated tumblers which are used to keep beverages hot or cold. These insulated tumblers hold beverage directly; they are not designed to hold cans or bottles.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present inventors have designed a converter base for use in connection with a tumbler.

In a specific example, there is provided a converter base for use with a tumbler, the converter base comprising: an open top end, a closed base end, and at least one internal feature that allows the converter base to support differently-shaped beverage containers. The internal feature can be an inward ledge. It is possible for there to be first and second inward ledges. The ledges can define narrowing diameter sections. The converter base can also be provided with a cooling feature, which may be positioned in a lower compartment and/or anywhere else appropriate. The cooling feature can be configured to be frozen in order to cool a beverage held by the converter base. There may also be provided a cover for maintaining a beverage container in place within the converter base.

Other examples provide a method for using a converter base as described herein, comprising: positioning the converter base into the tumbler; positioning a beverage container within the converter base; positioning a cover over the beverage container.

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” “the present invention,” “disclosure,” “the disclosure,” and “the present disclosure,” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of a converter base having a single ledge described herein.

FIG. 2A shows the converter base of FIG. 1 in position within a tumbler.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view looking down into the converter base of FIG. 2A, showing a single ledge.

FIG. 3A shows a converter base with a plurality of ledges and a first shaped beverage container positioned therein.

FIG. 3B shows a converter base with a plurality of ledges and a second shaped beverage container positioned within a converter base described herein.

FIG. 3C shows a converter base with a plurality of ledges and a third shaped beverage container positioned within a converter base described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a converter base positioned within a tumbler holding a can.

FIG. 5 shows a converter base positioned within a tumbler holding a bottle.

FIG. 6 shows examples of different shaped beverage containers that may be supported by a converter base described herein.

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a converter base having a single ledge of FIGS. 1 and 2 , with a cooling feature positioned in a lower compartment.

FIG. 8A shows a top perspective view of a cover that may be used to hold a beverage container in place in a tumbler when the converter base is in use.

FIG. 8B shows a bottom perspective view of a cover that may be used to hold a beverage container in place in a tumbler when the converter base is in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a converter base 10 configured to be used in connection with a tumbler 12. As shown by FIG. 1 , the converter base 10 has an open top end 14 and a closed bottom base 16. The internal surface of the converter base 10 is provided with one or more internal features 18 that allow the base to convert a tumbler into a holder/cooler for differently-sized beverages. The internal feature(s) 18 may be ledges, ridges, bumps, circular rings, protrusions, narrowing diameters, tapers, or any other feature that extends at least slightly into the interior of the converter base 10. In a specific example, there is a single internal feature. In an alternate example, there are at least two internal features 18. Because most tumblers are circular shape, the external perimeter walls of the converter base 10 are circular. In use, the converter base 10 is positioned inside a tumbler 12, as shown by FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the converter base 10 having a single internal feature 18, which is shaped as a circumferential ledge. The ledge can support the base of a beverage container positioned on or in the base. In one example, a skinny can base fits all the way to the closed bottom base. A long neck bottle may rest on the ledge. A standard 12 oz. can may have its base rest along the perimeter of the open top end 14. In all examples, the converter base can help cool and support a beverage container positioned on or in the base. As described in more detail below, a beverage securing lid 40 can be positioned over the beverage container in order to secure the container in place in the tumbler.

An alternate embodiment can provide the converter base 10 with a plurality of internal features 18 or ledges. The cross-sectional view of FIGS. 3A-3C show one or more internal features 18 of the converter base 10. These figures show side cross-sectional views of a converter base 10 positioned within a tumbler (not shown), with variously-shaped beverage containers shown in phantom lines. The internal features 18 may be ledges, ridges, bumps, circular rings, protrusions, narrowing diameters, tapers, or any other feature that extends at least slightly into the interior of the converter base 10. In a specific example, there are at least two internal features 18 in the interior of the converter base 10. A first internal feature defines a first inward ledge 20. A second internal feature defines a second, further inward ledge 22.

The converter base 10 may have a first diameter 24 defined between the open top end 14 and the first inward ledge 20. A second diameter 26 is defined between the first inward ledge 20 and the second inward ledge 22. A third diameter 28 is defined below the second inward ledge 22. In the examples shown, these diameters 24, 26, 28 are progressively narrowing in dimension. The result is that the cross-sectional view resembles a series of concentric internal and narrowing diameters. D1>D2>D3. When a beverage container is positioned within the converter base 10, depending upon the size of the container, the bottom portion of the container will abut one of the internal features 18 or rest on the closed bottom base 16.

In a specific example, as shown by FIG. 3A, when a first shaped beverage container is positioned with in the converter base 10, the bottom portion of the beverage container meets, abuts, or otherwise rests on the first inward ledge 20. This will typically be the configuration for a standard can. In another specific example, as shown by FIG. 3B, when a second shaped beverage container is positioned with in the converter base 10, the bottom portion of the beverage container meets, abuts, or otherwise rests on the second inward ledge 22. This will typically be the configuration for a long neck bottle. In a further specific example, as shown by FIG. 3C, when a third shaped beverage container is positioned with in the converter base 10, the bottom portion of the beverage container meets, abuts, or otherwise rests on the closed bottom base 16 of the converter base 10. This will typically be the configuration for a skinny can.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate exemplary beverage containers positioned within a tumbler 12 having a converter base 10 positioned inside the tumbler. These figures also illustrate a beverage securing lid 40 which can secure the beverage container in place, described in more detail below. FIG. 6 provides examples of various different shapes of beverage containers that can be used in connection with the converter base 10 described herein.

FIG. 7 shows an optional cooling feature 30 built into the converter base 10. In one example, the cooling feature 30 may be provided by a cooling gel, cooling beads, coolable fluid, or any other substance that can be cooled in order to lower the temperature of a beverage container positioned within the converter base. In the specific example shown, the cooling feature 30 is positioned within a lower compartment 32 of the converter base 10. It should be understood, however, that it is possible for the cooling feature 30 to be provided along one or both sides of the converter base instead of (or in addition to) being positioned in a lower compartment 32.

In use, a user may put the converter base 10 in a freezer, cooler, or other cooling device in order to chill or freeze the cooling feature 30. When the converter base 10 is then positioned within a tumbler 12 and a beverage container is positioned therein with the beverage securing lid 40 positioned in place, the time that the beverage contained within the beverage container can stay cold is extended. It is also possible for the converter base 10 to be used with a warm beverage in order to at least partially chill the beverage.

In a specific example, the converter base 10 may be made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or any material that can be cooled and hold its cooled temperature for a period of time.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various views of a beverage securing lid 40 that may be used in connection with the converter base 10 and tumbler 12 described herein. It is generally desirable that the beverage securing lid 40 be at least partially malleable and/or flexible so that it can accommodate differently-shaped beverage containers, as well as differently shaped tumbler openings. In a specific example, the beverage securing lid 40 is made of rubber, soft plastic, silicone, or any other appropriate material. As shown, the beverage securing lid 40 has an opening 42 which is configured to receive an upper portion of one or more differently shaped beverage containers. The beverage securing lid 40 also has a tumbler-cooperating portion 44. This portion 44 is received inside a tumbler opening to help secure a beverage container in place. In the embodiment shown, the tumbler-cooperating portion 44 may have a plurality of ridges 46 and grooves 48 that help with securement. The beverage securing lid 40 may also have a tab 50. The tab 50 may be useful in removing the beverage securing lid 40 from the tumbler, as well as in positioning the beverage securing lid 40 with respect to the tumbler 12.

The subject matter of certain embodiments of this disclosure is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

It should be understood that different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below. 

1. A converter base positionable in a tumbler, the converter base comprising: an open top end, a closed base end, and at least one internal feature that allows the converter base to receive differently-shaped beverage containers, the at least one internal feature comprising three or more inward ledges, wherein each inward ledge of the three or more inward ledges has a different diameter to support the differently-shaped beverage containers. 2-3. (canceled)
 4. The converter base of claim 1, wherein a first inward ledge of the three or more inward ledges is configured to support a base of a first-shaped beverage container, and wherein a perimeter around the base end is configured to support a base of a third-shaped beverage container.
 5. The converter base of claim 4, wherein the perimeter has a first diameter, wherein the first inward ledge has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.
 6. The converter base of claim 1, wherein the at least one internal feature is defined by a narrowing diameter.
 7. The converter base of claim 1, further comprising a cooling feature.
 8. The converter base of claim 7, wherein the cooling feature is positioned in a lower compartment.
 9. The converter base of claim 7, wherein the cooling feature is configured to be frozen in order to cool a beverage held by the converter base.
 10. The converter base of claim 1, further comprising a beverage securing lid.
 11. A method for using the converter base of claim 1, comprising: positioning the converter base into the tumbler; positioning a beverage container within the converter base; and positioning a beverage securing lid over the beverage container.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, before positioning the converter base into the tumbler, cooling or freezing the converter base.
 13. A beverage container insulator system comprising: (a) a beverage container insulator configured to receive a plurality of beverage containers including a first beverage container of a first size and a second beverage container of a second size; and (b) a converter base configured to be positioned in a bottom portion of the beverage container insulator, the converter base including a surface configured to space the first beverage container away from the bottom portion, the surface comprising three or more inward ledges, wherein each inward ledge of the three or more inward ledges has a different diameter to support the differently-shaped beverage containers.
 14. The beverage container insulator system of claim 13, further comprising a cover, the cover including an opening through which at least one of the first beverage container and the second beverage container can pass.
 15. The beverage container insulator system of claim 14, wherein at least an external surface of the converter base has a cylindrical shape and is sized to be received in the bottom portion of the beverage container insulator.
 16. The beverage container insulator system of claim 15, wherein the beverage container insulator system is configured such that the first beverage container rests on the surface when the converter base is positioned in the bottom portion of the beverage container insulator and the first beverage container is received in the beverage container insulator. 